Paid parking is coming to WDW resorts March 2018

[SaharanTea]

And when they announced the last park ticket increase they mentioned tiered pricing coming for multi-day tickets by year end - so another increase there too to get excited for!

Tiered in what way?

Apologies, I've been out of the loop for the last six months or so.

 

[Runner225]

Just got off the phone with a CM from Capek's office...I will say I did not have as pleasant of a conversation as other posters had. She got on the phone with me to assure me that Chapek did indeed receive and read my e-mail. I was prepared to be nice and just voice my concerns as I know this decision was not hers, however this CM did not seem to actually care about what I had to say and anytime I gave my concerns/complaints/suggestions I was told that this was something "they were moving forward with". After feeling a bit nerved by her demeanor, I told her that I work in marketing and would love to know the reason for this great idea of theirs and she would not give me an answer just that "this is what the executives decided to do". Great, so she basically confirmed to me its a money grab. I said if you are following industry standard and no longer leading it, then give your guests free breakfasts, microwaves and loyalty programs to your hotels. I was told they will "pass along all these suggestions".

However, I did find out if you have an existing reservation prior to 3/21 and then you later see another offer and alter your reservation, since your initial reservation was made prior to 3/21 you will not be subject to the fee.

Honestly, I am feeling even worse after that phone call. She did not make me feel like my opinion would matter(despite saying she would pass them along) and gave the impression that what they were doing to their guests was right. So much for having a magical day (which she did not end the call with btw!)

 

[ChipnDale79]

Just got off the phone with a CM from Capek's office...I will say I did not have as pleasant of a conversation as other posters had. She got on the phone with me to assure me that Chapek did indeed receive and read my e-mail. I was prepared to be nice and just voice my concerns as I know this decision was not hers, however this CM did not seem to actually care about what I had to say and anytime I gave my concerns/complaints/suggestions I was told that this was something "they were moving forward with". After feeling a bit nerved by her demeanor, I told her that I work in marketing and would love to know the reason for this great idea of theirs and she would not give me an answer just that "this is what the executives decided to do". Great, so she basically confirmed to me its a money grab. I said if you are following industry standard and no longer leading it, then give your guests free breakfasts, microwaves and loyalty programs to your hotels. I was told they will "pass along all these suggestions".

However, I did find out if you have an existing reservation prior to 3/21 and then you later see another offer and alter your reservation, since your initial reservation was made prior to 3/21 you will not be subject to the fee.

Honestly, I am feeling even worse after that phone call. She did not make me feel like my opinion would matter(despite saying she would pass them along) and gave the impression that what they were doing to their guests was right. So much for having a magical day (which she did not end the call with btw!)

So in other words, they don't care about the negative press they are getting from this.


If this is the stance they make, then i will not back down on staying off site for future trips, or parking fees will come directly out of my spending money budget. They aren't going to get an extra penny out of me for parking.

There is still a chance i might cancel our trip for august, I've been contemplating some other vacation ideas this week. I'm really tired of spending my money at disney.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Tiered in what way?

Apologies, I've been out of the loop for the last six months or so.

so the cost of a park ticket would vary based on the time of year/crowd level anticipated. They do it now with one day tickets - so on a midweek in January the price to enter the Magic Kingdom is lower than the price for the same ticket during spring break. They are now going to roll out that same principle for multi-day tickets

They say this is to try to even out the crowds - so that people might be motivated to go during what historically is slower periods because it is cheaper - but in the end, most people travel when they can (due to school, whatever) so will just result in people paying more for tickets

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Just got off the phone with a CM from Capek's office...I will say I did not have as pleasant of a conversation as other posters had. She got on the phone with me to assure me that Chapek did indeed receive and read my e-mail. I was prepared to be nice and just voice my concerns as I know this decision was not hers, however this CM did not seem to actually care about what I had to say and anytime I gave my concerns/complaints/suggestions I was told that this was something "they were moving forward with". After feeling a bit nerved by her demeanor, I told her that I work in marketing and would love to know the reason for this great idea of theirs and she would not give me an answer just that "this is what the executives decided to do". Great, so she basically confirmed to me its a money grab. I said if you are following industry standard and no longer leading it, then give your guests free breakfasts, microwaves and loyalty programs to your hotels. I was told they will "pass along all these suggestions".

However, I did find out if you have an existing reservation prior to 3/21 and then you later see another offer and alter your reservation, since your initial reservation was made prior to 3/21 you will not be subject to the fee.

Honestly, I am feeling even worse after that phone call. She did not make me feel like my opinion would matter(despite saying she would pass them along) and gave the impression that what they were doing to their guests was right. So much for having a magical day (which she did not end the call with btw!)

really sorry you had to experience that - really seems like at least this CM didn't care (I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt and think this may be her hundreth call on the topic and she is just tired of it too ... but that does not excuse it). Looks like Disney is only going for "industry standard" as far as guest relations now too.

at least she was realistic and knew there was no way you would have a magical day

 

[TheMaxRebo]

So in other words, they don't care about the negative press they're getting from this.


If this is the stance they make, then i will not back down on staying off site for future trips, or parking fees will come directly out of my spending money budget. They aren't going to get an extra penny out of me for parking.

There is still a chance i might cancel our trip for august, I've been contemplating some other vacation ideas this week. I'm really tired of spending my money at disney.

Obviously not something you want to rush into, but going to Disney shouldn't feel like something you have to do, etc. and should be something you want to do ... and I think that is the worst part of this change is it is really giving the whole concept of a Disney vacation and planning for that vacation a negative tone for many people

And I know everyone is different but I will say we stay off site and still can get all the Disney feels we need and save some money doing it so one doesn't have to stay on site and to have a great Disney vacation

 

[Sue M]

And when they announced the last park ticket increase they mentioned tiered pricing coming for multi-day tickets by year end - so another increase there too to get excited for!

Yes, let’s not forget the new tiered ticket pricing And did I mention the awful bus service on my last 10 day stay? 30 min + waits were the norm. And I wasn’t just missing a bus pulling out.
With more people who normally rent cars while on property not going to rent because of new fee, there’s going to be even more people using the bus. I used to think WDW did a pretty good job with busses. There’s always been that one morning with a longer than average wait that could be forgiven. But all 10 days?

 

[bluezy]

but then you are penalizing people that fly and take ME - which they want more people to do

Now, I could see them expanding the upcharge for purchasing additional FP beyond just at the concierge rooms - and maybe that would come with additional benefits including "free resort parking"

But doesn't this parking fee penalize those guests who drive to Disney???? I'm not saying they should get FPs for paying the parking fee, but this really annoys me because we always drive. For some families, flying isn't an option for various reasons (mobility issues, the cost of flying vs. driving, living close to DW, etc.), so now those people are being penalized. I think part of the reason for this fee is to discourage people from renting a car to get from the airport to Disney and to use Disney transportation -- thus somewhat "trapping" them in the Disney Bubbe. But what about those people who don't have the option of flying?? If DME picked me up at my house, I'd be happy to use it! We don't use our car once we arrive on property, we rely solely on Disney transportation (not even a cab!) so why should we be penalized because we arrived by personal car rather than DME (which does not charge a fee)??? Fortunately, we're already booked for our trip in June so we won't have to pay the fee for this trip and I'm sure that by the time we return in 2020, one way or another this fee will be a distant memory (most likely because there will be some new fee or price increase to complain about ). My hope is that they start offering "free parking" with packages since we always book a package anyway.

Been there with people who are going for the first time, ask for my advice, than actively ignore all of that advice and then complain when they get back about all the lines and they were eating at 9pm at night because they couldn't get into any table service locations (despite me telling them that you do need ADRs and you can't just wave a $20 bill infront of the hostess and get seated as was their plan)

I think we *all* have those friends. I tried to offer advice to friends who were taking that once-in-a-lifetime extended family trip a few years ago. They knew we travel to Disney every other year or so but they still insisted that their travel agent (not a Disney agent) was an expert who knew everything. Of course when this family got back from their trip they were complaining about only being allowed to get 3 FPs per day....taking 4 or 5 hours of time each day doing table service lunch and dinner each day....the amount of time they had to spend on buses to get from their villa at OKW to *anywhere*....yadda, yadda, yadda. All things I could have helped them avoid or at least prepped them for if they had just asked rather than relying on their "expert" travel agent. Oh well. Not my problem.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

But doesn't this parking fee penalize those guests who drive to Disney???? I'm not saying they should get FPs for paying the parking fee, but this really annoys me because we always drive.

it absolutely does penalize those that drive - especially for locals or almost-locals where it would be silly (or not really even feasible) to fly ... if Driving is the best way for you to get there (for whatever reason) you shouldn't be penalized for that, and this policy does that

My point is that Disney wants people taking ME, they don't want you to have a car on property so from their point of view they would want to penalize people with cars and reward (not penalize) those that take ME because then you are captive to them and stuck on property (or at least, harder to get off property)

 

[WillandJennB]

On top of this, folks in the resorts forum are saying they increased room rates in February when they normally only increase them in July when they announce the next year's slate (which they did back then, too).

We booked our July trip back in October 2017, and will I check periodically to see if there are new deals or price drops. When I saw this price increase, I assumed it was, in part, due to reduced resort availability because of Toy Story Land. I'm wondering now if they increased the resort prices as a means of hiding and 'including' the parking fee (or a significant portion of it) to guests who made reservations based on the opening of TSL, but who are booking prior to March 21, as a way to make up the 'lost' revenue of people being 'grandfathered' in with the free parking at resorts. Its a bit of a 'tin-foil hat' stretch, but it would not surprise me if this was the reason for the increase.

 

[Runner225]

it absolutely does penalize those that drive - especially for locals or almost-locals where it would be silly (or not really even feasible) to fly ... if Driving is the best way for you to get there (for whatever reason) you shouldn't be penalized for that, and this policy does that

My point is that Disney wants people taking ME, they don't want you to have a car on property so from their point of view they would want to penalize people with cars and reward (not penalize) those that take ME because then you are captive to them and stuck on property (or at least, harder to get off property)

Except in the end, its not rewarding anybody bc those buses/boats/monorails are going to be more packed than ever now.

 

[Runner225]

really sorry you had to experience that - really seems like at least this CM didn't care (I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt and think this may be her hundreth call on the topic and she is just tired of it too ... but that does not excuse it). Looks like Disney is only going for "industry standard" as far as guest relations now too.

at least she was realistic and knew there was no way you would have a magical day

I went into the phone call with that mindset that it was one of the very many calls she was dealing with, but like you said no excuse. All I felt like she was doing was going through the motions of what she "had to do/say". Ugh, I am so annoyed! I have never felt like this after speaking with a CM.

It really just makes me want us all to complain to them more. The attitude they are getting back bc of this decision they completely deserve.

 

[PrincessV]

However, I did find out if you have an existing reservation prior to 3/21 and then you later see another offer and alter your reservation, since your initial reservation was made prior to 3/21 you will not be subject to the fee.

Thanks for taking one for the team! I haven't been able to collect my thoughts well enough to manage a phone call yet. About the part I quoted... that is my #1 concern right now. I need to book something for a summer trip and was planning to wait for discounts, but don't want to incur the parking fee. How solid do you think her answer was on that? Don't worry: I won't hold you to it! Just wondering if you felt like she was just trying to placate, or if that's official policy.

 

[ChipnDale79]

Obviously not something you want to rush into, but going to Disney shouldn't feel like something you have to do, etc. and should be something you want to do ... and I think that is the worst part of this change is it is really giving the whole concept of a Disney vacation and planning for that vacation a negative tone for many people

And I know everyone is different but I will say we stay off site and still can get all the Disney feels we need and save some money doing it so one doesn't have to stay on site and to have a great Disney vacation

Yeah i get it, however our trip this year is something we've promised our kids. They're excited. I just can't pull a trip that's already planned and they are excited about because I'm pissed at disney.

Moving forward, i can adjust their expectations.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Yeah i get it, however our trip this year is something we've promised our kids. They're excited. I just can't pull a trip that's already planned and they are excited about because I'm pissed at disney.

Moving forward, i can adjust their expectations.

Totally get that - guess I was thinking more going forward (hard to cancel plans already made - and like you said, expectations/excitement from kids)

 

[Runner225]

Thanks for taking one for the team! I haven't been able to collect my thoughts well enough to manage a phone call yet. About the part I quoted... that is my #1 concern right now. I need to book something for a summer trip and was planning to wait for discounts, but don't want to incur the parking fee. How solid do you think her answer was on that? Don't worry: I won't hold you to it! Just wondering if you felt like she was just trying to placate, or if that's official policy.

She seemed very firm about that part. I feel like that must've gotten asked a lot because she seemed very matter of fact (that might have been the only time I was somewhat happy on that call)

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I went into the phone call with that mindset that it was one of the very many calls she was dealing with, but like you said no excuse. All I felt like she was doing was going through the motions of what she "had to do/say". Ugh, I am so annoyed! I have never felt like this after speaking with a CM.

It really just makes me want us all to complain to them more. The attitude they are getting back bc of this decision they completely deserve.

I get what you're saying. I was a charter member of D23. My membership lapsed during a period where my Dad passed away suddenly, less than a month after my Mom was diagnosed with Dementia and Alzheimer's, and I was out of town for a month dealing with arrangements.

After I got home and eventually realized about the lapse, I contacted D23 to see if they would reinstate my membership and charter member status. They said no. Period. It had lapsed, nothing they could do. Not so much as a "sorry for your loss" at least. I told them I would obviously pay for the lapsed period, but really wanted to keep the charter member status. I asked about speaking with anyone more senior, eventually got a call and was told the same. This would have cost them NOTHING, but the principle meant something to me. I absolutely get that they didn't owe it to me, but why not do it?

They didn't care about my circumstances, didn't care that we own a gazillion DVC points, are AP holders, have a Disney VISA, have been on a Disney cruise, do rD races in addition to annual trips, etc., etc. Didn't care in the least. I've never signed up for D23 again and never will. It took me a while before I wanted to think about anything Disney. In the end, we still enjoy our WDW trips, rD trips, etc., so we go on them. I have felt a tad different about Disney since then, though. Bottom line for me is that it's about whether we want to go to WDW, ALL things considered. We still do. If at some point that equation shifts enough, I'll wave au revoir!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Except in the end, its not rewarding anybody bc those buses/boats/monorails are going to be more packed than ever now.

well, reward in the sense of not being punished more than others (jeez, this really is a negative tone needed now with Disney) so you are in a better spot than others

yeah, nobody really "wins" here, just degrees of losing

 

[TheMaxRebo]

However, I did find out if you have an existing reservation prior to 3/21 and then you later see another offer and alter your reservation, since your initial reservation was made prior to 3/21 you will not be subject to the fee.

That is good to know - though I assume that wouldn't carry forward if you wanted to apply a new discount that came out (say, Free Dining) as that is more of a cancel/new reservation thing, correct? (I have seen a lot of questions about that - I guess people wanting to book something now before the parking fee goes into effect but then be able to add Free Dining when that comes out)

 

[Runner225]

I get what you're saying. I was a charter member of D23. My membership lapsed during a period where my Dad passed away suddenly, less than a month after my Mom was diagnosed with Dementia and Alzheimer's, and I was out of town for a month dealing with arrangements.

After I got home and eventually realized about the lapse, I contacted D23 to see if they would reinstate my membership and charter member status. They said no. Period. It had lapsed, nothing they could do. Not so much as a "sorry for your loss" at least. I told them I would obviously pay for the lapsed period, but really wanted to keep the charter member status. I asked about speaking with anyone more senior, eventually got a call and was told the same. This would have cost them NOTHING, but the principle meant something to me. I absolutely get that they didn't owe it to me, but why not do it?

They didn't care about my circumstances, didn't care that we own a gazillion DVC points, are AP holders, have a Disney VISA, have been on a Disney cruise, do rD races in addition to annual trips, etc., etc. Didn't care in the least. I've never signed up for D23 again and never will. It took me a while before I wanted to think about anything Disney. In the end, we still enjoy our WDW trips, rD trips, etc., so we go on them. I have felt a tad different about Disney since then, though. Bottom line for me is that it's about whether we want to go to WDW, ALL things considered. We still do. If at some point that equation shifts enough, I'll wave au revoir!

Oh my goodness, that is so sad my mouth literally just hung open as I read all that. I can't believe they would be so heartless. I am sorry you had to go through every bit of that (including what happened with your parents). I don't blame you for not signing up for D23 ever again, not after that type of experience.